Rachel and Ron are the Innkeepers of Andon-Reid Inn Bed and Breakfast. Located in Western North Carolina surrounded by the Smoky Mountains, Blue Ridge Parkway and Pisgah National Forest we want to keep you informed of all the wonderful happenings this area has to offer. Maybe we'll be lucky enough to have you stay with us!

Monday, November 30, 2009

Okay, I know, Thanksgiving has just ended and I'm already having anxiety attacks on how I'm going to bake all those special holiday cookies in just a couple weeks. This has been a tradition for years now. I usually bake 10-15 different kinds of cookies and then put them into gift baskets with our special blend coffee and give them to area businesses. We have been so busy that I haven't even had the time to make the different doughs and freeze them for the future. My daughter does the same thing and gives platters of these home baked morsels out to her friends and brings them to holiday parties. After talking with her today, I realized I better get a move on it! Plan B - Biscotti's here I come.

Biscotti with Chocolate Chunks and Orange Biscotti’s are my signature cookie. I make all kinds. Give them a try. The trick is spraying a vegetable oil on your hands when forming the logs.

Line large baking sheets with parchment paper. Whisk flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat sugar and butter in large bowl to blend. Beat in eggs, 1 at a time, then Grand Marnier and orange peel. Add flour and beat until blended. Stir in pecans and chocolate. Gather dough together, divide in half. Wrap in plastic and freeze for 20 minutes till firm.